PRIME Minister Gordon Brown yesterday confessed he'd like the help of Transformers leader Optimus Prime to solve the current economic crisis.

He told radio listeners that Transformers was the "big thing" for his children at the moment.

And he added: "If I could meet Optimus Prime - he seems to be able to solve most of the problems."

Brown was speaking during a visit to the West Midlands.

He had been talking to BBC WM breakfast host Phil Upton about the financial downturn when the presenter asked about his Christmas and what his sons, John, five, and two-year-old James had received.

He said: "Christmas was a big thing. The great thing was a small piano which they are playing.

"Sport is a big thing for them - and Transformers is a big thing for them."

It was at this point that Brown made the startling admission that he wouldn't mind the help of the robot, who can turn from a lorry into a fully armoured robot-soldier equipped with laser rifle.

One listener said: "I know he was joking but I couldn't quite believe my ears at first.

"Saying that though, I would love to see Brown and David Cameron going at it with laser cannons.

"Optimus Prime would be one hell of an adviser to the PM. He stands for honour and justice and I would vote for him as Prime Minister if he were real." Brown's choice of Optimus Prime - cult leader of the Autobots - as his dream problem-solver may not be as bizarre as it seems.

On internet sites, the cartoon and film character is depicted as a "heroic, brave and compassionate character who puts all his talent to use to improve the world around him".

Optimus is also known "for a strong sense of justice and righteousness".

On a more serious note, talking about the economic crisis on the radio phonein, Brown said: "The determination is there to come through this and we have to face it together."

Speaking to a caller who had lost his job and was concerned about his mortgage, he said: "We are working with the building societies so we can get better deals for people and you can have the security that, even if you are facing a period of unemployment, your mortgage and house is safe."